3 shot within 3 hours in Stockton | Crime

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STOCTKON, Calif. - A city plagued by gun violence in 2012 has been largely peaceful for the beginning of 2013. But in less than three hours, three people in Stockton were wounded in three separate shootings.

According to Stockton police reports, the first incident occurred at 10:50 p.m. Thursday night in the area of Sutter St. and First St.

A 46-year-old man was walking in the area when the suspected shooter accused the victim of kicking rocks on him. An argument ensued and the victim tripped. While on the ground, the man heard a loud pop and realized he had been shot in the leg, said police.

The alleged shooter then fled on foot in an unknown direction. He was described as a 40 to 45-year-old Hispanic man with black hair. He was last seen wearing a gray jacket and gray beanie.

Less than an hour later, officers responded to a report of a shooting on the 2000 block of E. Church St. at 11:44 p.m. Upon arrival, officers found a man suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg. The gun was recovered and Julio Zuniga, 27, was transported to a local hospital for treatment before being arrested on negligent discharge of a Firearm and weapons charges.

At 12:05 a.m., the third gunshot victim of the evening was walking home with his girlfriend in the vicinity of Center St. and Harding Wy. when he heard a gunshot and realized he had been shot in the leg, police said. The man flagged down a passing motorist who transported him to the hospital. No information was provided on a possible suspect or motive.